43 Old Cemetery Road: Over My Dead Road

43 Old Cemetery Road: Over My Dead Road Book Two (2009) by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise. 116 pages.

ISBN 978-0-15-205734-3

Les and Diane Hope, professors of the paranormal, have moved in to the mansion haunted by Olive C. Spence. They want to document Olive's ghost and make lots of money. Except, Olive only appears to their son, Seymour. His parents then leave him when they go to Paris on a lecture tour. Seymour Hope ends up in the care of Olive and Ignatius B. Grumply, an author who has rented the mansion. They start a publishing company; they write and sell popular ghost books. All are living quite happily, making enough money to buy the house from the Hopes.

But, their happiness gets threatened when they are investiaged by the International Movement for the Safety & Our Kids & Youth (IMSPOOKY) run by Dick Tater. Mr. Tater determines Seymour is not safe and he sends Seymour to a (ghastly) orphanage and Mr. Grumply to a home for the deranged. Tater also plans to ban Halloween and warns that ghost stories are bad for children. He even ordered librarians to build bonfires to burn dangerous books.

Text is a varietal mix among the pages. Font styles vary among the characters. Characters communicate with each other through letters. The Ghastly Times newspaper reports local stories. Black and white illustrations creatively enhance the story. The names of the characters are especially funny; Ike N. Openitt, the locksmith, Fay Tality and Shirly U. Jest are few more.

Although some text may be sensitive to some people, such as "nut house" and "loony bin" for the asylum and having "mental illness" from defending a ghost, the book is amusing and witty. Good read for 9 to 11 year olds.

This book is part of a series: 1) Dying to Meet You, 2) Over My Dead Body, 3) Till Death Do Us Bark. Listen and watch to the Klise sisters talk about writing these books.

The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech)

The Amazing Life of Birds (The Twenty-Day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech) (2006) by Gary Paulsen. 84 pages.
ISBN: 0-385-90897-0

Duane Homer Leech is in the "Puberty Zone". Frequent thoughts about the female anatomy (which he refers to as "ELBOWS") distract his daily activities and he wakes from having crazy dreams. Duane is disturbed by his name, wishing he was called something else. At home, his parents seem oblivious to his puberty onset and his sister constantly annoys him. He watches a bird family from his window. Keeping an eye on the young bird growing up and learning to fly, Duane's relates similar clumsy experiences.

Puberty has brought zits, hair cowlicks, a voice change and a growing interest in girls. In his journal, Duane recounts his decline caused puberty. His efforst to hide his zits are useless and his attempts to impress girls turn into catastrophes. In one exaggerated incident in the library, Duane falls into a book shelf, knocking over a fish tank and gerbil cage, while reaching for a book on puberty. Duane finds support and perspective from his best friend, Willy. Their phone conversations are brief, almost monosyllabic, but authentically portray boys discussing their issues. Getting perspective and support from Willy, Duane gains some confidence in dealing with the effects of puberty in his life.

This book brings the reader into the daily occurences of a tween dealing with the onset of puberty; with a youth's perspective with funny dialogue and descriptions crazy incidents. Many readers may find themselves relating to this confusing time of life. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

More on Gary Paulsen.

Chess Rumble

Chess Rumble (2007) by G. Neri and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. 64 pages.
ISBN: 978-1-58430-279-7

Eleven-year old Marcus is angry. His sister has recently died, his father has left the family, his mom is always tired and edgy, and a bully won't leave him alone at school. He lives in a tough, urban neighborhood where life is difficult.

Told in free verse using street vernacular, Marcus tells of his difficulties at home and school. His anger gets him in trouble; he readily responds with his fists. After one incident, the principal, sends Marcus to the library; "it be fulla kids playin' chess". Attempting to leave, Marcus is blocked by a big dude, CM. Marcus's first game doesn't go well and he responds by throwing the board.

While playing basketball in the park with his friends, Marcus runs into CM playing chess. He gets pulled in to the games and gets some coaching. CM, a chess master, relates chess to life, provoking Marcus to think about his moves before making them; "three moves is all it takes to change the outcome of the game".

With powerful emotions and bleak inner-city surroundings, the story evokes empathy for Marcus and his struggles. Its quick pace, contemporary theme and street language makes it engaging and attractive to reluctant readers, as well as those who enjoy urban literature. Black, gray and white illustrations add to the story's atmospherics. Good read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Book Trailer provided by Lee & Low Books.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation - using chess, music and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence.

The Bad Beginning

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (1999) by Lemony Snicket.
ISBN: 0-06-440766-7

After their parents die in a fire, the Baudeliare kids -14 year old Violet, 12 year old Klaus and their baby sister Sunny, are sent to live with a horrible relative. Count Olaf was a disreputable actor, belonging to an unsavory theatre troupe, who lived in a dilapidated house with filthy rooms. Friendly Justice Strauss lives next door in her lovely house with a big library and takes and interest in the children. Mr. Poe, the banker who's the executor of the estate, thinks the children are just learning to adjust to their new home when they tell him how evil the Count is.

Although the children's fortune could not be touched for a few years, Count Olaf set out to get his hands on it. He schemes to force Violet to marry him by holding Sunny hostage. Good thing Violet is an inventive genius and Klaus has a propensity for reading and research; abilities that aid them in escaping this unfortunate event.

This is the first of thirteen books; the beginning of many unfortunate predicaments to befall the children. These books, with a mix of dark humor, absurd events and odd characters, have a delightful appeal. Each chapter begins with a detailed pencil drawing, evoking more curiousity about the its contents. Snicket uses vocabulary that the reader may find challenging, but cleverly and seamlessly includes a definition to carry the reader. Fun read for 9 to 13 year olds. (I had a 9th grader start reading last year because of these books.)

A Series of Unfortunate Events books and more can be found at Lemony Snicket.

Read-Alikes: If you like A Series of Unfortunate Events, you may like the Roald Dahl books - James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Twilight 1: The Graphic Novel

Twilight 1: The Graphic Novel by Stephenie Meyer; Art and adaptation by Young Kim.
ISBN: 978-0-7595-2943-4

Bella moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father. The weather is drastically different from what is in Phoenix, Arizona. Attending a new high school, Bella makes some friends and becomes very interested in a group of teens who are intensely good looking, but "chalky pale" with "very dark eyes". Sitting next to one of them in Biology class, Bella thinks that he, Edward Cullend, doesn't like her. Later, she discovers that his feelings for her are so intense, he needs to take precautions to control himself around her. Edwards's very mysterious and attactive to Bella and Bella is growing more irresistable to Edward.

Graphic adaptation of the popular Twilight book. Predominately illustrated in black and white, most of the panels feature the characters. The few color pages add to the intensity and meaning of the scenes.

This graphic interpretation is a good introduction to the popular Twilight books; see the Stephanie Meyer site for more information. Gives insight into the main points of the first book, although the story lacks some continuity and the content is at a surface levl. May entice non-readers to want to pick up the original book.

Toy Story 3 Movie

Toy Story 3 written by Michael Arndt, directed by Lee Unkrich and produced by Disney Pixar.

Andy's toys continue their friendship and adventures. As Andy prepares to leave for college, his toys accidentally end up at a day care center. The toys quicky discover that not all kids play with toys like Andy did, plus the other toys have plans for them. Woody must go to the rescue of his friends trapped in the day care center and bring them all back to Andy where they belong.

While adults cringe to see younger children have access to age inappropriate toys, the kids in the audience love to see the misuse the toys get. Kids may be frightened by "Baby" who's head spins and is unable to talk, but will enjoy the teamwork that the toys use to get back to Andy. Toward the end, the toys find their way back to Andy's house right when he's leaving. Andy needs to make a hard choice - should the toys get stored in the attic or go to a good home; Woody needs to make a hard choice - to let Andy go or stay with his friends.

Several rescue scenarios are cleverly executed. Lots of humor for kids and adults alike. Like other Pixar films, this segment has lots of entertainment value for the kids, but lots of thought provoking sentiment and jokes for adults. Life's choices, for the toys and for Andy, are not always black and white. Great movie for 10 to 13 year olds.

P.S. There's a cute scene with Molly, Andy's sister, reading Tween magazine.
Visit the Disney ToyStory website.

Karate Kid

The Karate Kid starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, directed by Harald Zwart.

Dre Parker and his mom move to Bejing when his mom gets a promotion. Unhappy with the move, Dre tries to adjust and make some friends. Unfortunately, he's immediately confronted by some bullies led by Cheng, who have violent kung fu tactics. Mr. Han, a maintenance man who prefers to keep to himself, comes to Dre's rescue when several boys are beating up Dre. Mr. Han's amazing kung fu skills are revealed as he defeats the boys and protects Dre. The fight choreagraphy in this scene is entertaining and clever, as Mr. Han maneuver's his opponents in such a way that they extend blows to each other. Mr. Han shows more of his skills by mending Dre's wounds with fire cupping; magically curing Dre.
After trying to make peace with Cheng's kung fu teacher, Mr. Han takes Dre under wing to teach him kung fu. Mr. Han has entered Dre into a tournament, where Cheng and his friends wil be fighting. As in the original Karate Kid movie, training begins slow with a seeming unrelated, repetitive task. Gradually, Mr. Han brings to light the significance of the drill and the trainings expand.

The story follows Dre through his perserverance and Mr. Han's enlightening teaching, as well as their growing fondness and respect. Dre's sweet friendship with a classmate, Mei Ying, is threatened when he brings 'shame' to Mei Ying's family. Dre enlists Mr. Han to remedy this. Dre learns life lessons through learning Kung Fu. The movie culminates with the tournament.

Karate Kid shows a typical kid dealing with realistic situations of leaving the home he knows, moving and adjusting to a new location and dealing with bullies. Beyond this scenario, the viewer must suspend belief - instantly healing fire cups, quickly acquired karate skills, effectively employing the reflection technique.

Scenes provide a glimpse into live in Bejing, although I imagine there is more traffic than was in the movie. Breath-taking scenery when Dre and Mr. Han visit the Wudang mountains.

The movie is has an appealing story line, providing insight into the kung fu world. The dramatics provoking different emotions from sad to happy, touching to cringing (some of the fight seens are violent). Good modern-day remake of the original 1984 film; appropriate for 10 to 13 year olds.

Visit The Karate Kid website.

The Suite Life on Deck: Break up in Paris

The Suite Life on Deck: Break Up in Paris (Season Finale). TV - Disney Channel.

Spin-off of the original show The Suite Life with Zack and Cody. A preferred show of the eleven-year-old girl I babysit, we recently watched the Break Up in Paris episode.

The S.S. Tipton cruise ship docks in Paris, Baily and Cody are planning to celebrate their one-year anniversary and London helps Cody practice for the big date. Their preparations lead to assumptions and talk of breaking up. Zack and Woody inadvertantly get chased by art thieves. Mr. Moseby watches the Tour de France. Marcus tries to promote himself. Each scene is is goofy and silly.

A slapstick-type comedy with pronounced acting and an over-all clean, innocent appeal. Mr. Moseby makes a fool of himself; Woody is heavy-set and bumbling; London is a naccissistic, rich fashionista; Cody is the thoughtful, boy-next-door and his twin, Zack, plays the dumb jock; Baily is the midwestern, down-to-earth girl. Kids in the show appear smarter than the adults. Appealing to 9 to 12 year olds.

Episodes of The Suite Life on Deck and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody can be watched at Clicker.com

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life

The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life (2005) by Lauren Myracle. 135 pages.

ISBN: 978-0-14-220861-2

Alli writes in her journal frequently, recording incidents and conversations with her friends and family, including copies of instant messages and e-mails. Being occupied about how others' see her and figuring out her relationships, Alli records these thoughts in her journal.

On the first day of 7th grade, she's mortified when a pair of her mom's underwear is stuck to her pants by static cling and consequently teased by Jeremy. She hangs out with her closest friends are Kathy, who's not always nice to her, and Megan, a new girl in school. But, Alli has a secret longing to be with the popular girls, Rachel, Mica and Hadley. After being assigned to work on a project with Mica, Alli get her chance to be with the popular girls. This is at the expense of her friendship with Kathy and Megan.

The detailed ruminations of incidents and conversations Alli conveys in her journal slow the reading, but also present the story in an authentic voice of a 7th grade girl who's trying to figure out life. The girls shop and eat at places with familiar names-Claires, Express, Long John Silvers. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

Lauren Myracle's website.

Bone 1: Out From Boneville

Bone 1: Out From Boneville (2005) by Jeff Smith. 138 pages.
ISBN: 0-439-70640-8

Fone, Phoney and Smiley Bone have been run out of Boneville for some bad business deals by Phoney. Lost, thirsty and not knowing where they are, a swarm of locusts separates them.

First we follow Fone as he wanders and searches for his cousins. He finds Smily's cigar butts, but not Smiley. Along his search, Fone comes across creatures, some scary and others friendly - leafs, rat creatures, and a dragon. He's warned that he needs to get out the valley before winter comes, but finds himself caught in the snow. At a hot spring, Fone meets Thorn. She takes him home where she lives with Gran'ma Ben, a woman who races cows.


Returning home from a cow race, Gran'ma Ben runs into feisty Phoney and brings him to her home. Hearing that there's money to be made in Barrelhaven, Phoney goes to the town. Rat creatures attack Gran'ma Ben, Thorn and Fone, but they eventually make it to Barrelhaven where all the cousins are reunited. The grim reaper lurks nearby.

Very quirky story; funny and a bit scary. Graphics are formatted in panels with cartoon characters against detailed backgrounds . Entertaining read for 10 to 13 year olds.

More on Jeff Smith and Boneville.

Daredevil Club

Daredevil Club (2006) by Pam Withers. 103 pages.
ISBN 10: 1-55143-614-0

Kip is living in Peever, a small town where there's not much to do. He started the Daredevil Club with his only friends - Caleb, Fraser and Vlad - and came up with the series of dares they were to complete. Each dare more dangerous than the last. The dares even gave them status as heroes and popularity at school. Adding to the challenge of completing dares, was to do them before the Wildmen.

During the fourth dare, a jump off a cliff into a lake, Kip smashed his leg on a rock. It's so severe he receives physiotherapy. He's making progress and then finds out that the clinic has to close before his therapy ends. On top of that, completing dares is more difficult and his membership in the club is threatened. Kip struggles with these two realities and discovers who his friends are.

This is a quick and exciting read, bringing the reader through dangerous episodes in a some dares. Although the reading level is 3.9, the plot is not patronizing and story is appropriate for 11 to 13 year olds.

This is an Orca Soundings book. These are high interest, low reading level books with appealing titles and covers and contemporary themes for middle and high school students.

Resource Guide from Orca.

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel

Artemis Fowl - The Graphic Novel (2007) by Eoin Colfer. Adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin; Art by Giovanni Rigano, Color by Paolo Lamanna. 112 pages.
ISBN-10: 0-786-84881-2

Artemis Fowl books have been a favorite of middle-schoolers since 2001. The Graphic Novel is an adapted version of the first book in the series. The color illustrations are amazing, a combination of fun comics and intense detailed graphics. Many scene panels actively move the story without dialogue. Dialogue is interesting although, at times, complex. Characters are introduced throughout the story by secret government files.

Artemis the Second is a twelve year old prodigy and criminal-mastermind, who aims to restore his family's fortune at the risk of causing a cross-species war and destroying civilizations. His genius allows him to make scientific observations and invent advanced technologies. Accompanied by Bulter, who has extreme martial arts and marksmanship skills, Artemis obtains and translates "The Book" that contains vital information about the "People" of the underground. Underground live the gnomes, trolls, elfs, centaurs, dwarfs and goblins. Elves have fairy magic enhanced by technology.

Captain Holly Short, an elf and only female member of the LEPrecon police, is sent to locate a rogue troll. Artemis and Butler capture Holly, as part of their plan to acquire some of their magical powers and getting a ransom of gold. Led by Commander Root, LEPrecon fights back using Foaly's technical genius.

Full of adventure and fantasy, this novel will not disappoint Artemis Fowl fans and it will draw in new readers. It's consistently interesting and exciting, mixed with humor. Great read for 10 to 13 year olds.

Simpsons Comics Madness

Simpsons Comics Madness (2002) by Matt Groening. 158 pages.

ISBN-10: 0-06-053061-8

This is a compilation of the Simpsons comics #43 to #48; featuring the talents of a variety of writers, artists and editors.

The first comic is an urban legend told backward, a twisted and quircky story about Bart, Lisa, Milhouse and Martin looking for 'Brain Freeze Steve' under the Kwik-e-Mart. In another, Lisa becomes a substitute teacher after Bart pulls one of his classic antics. Comics continue with Sideshow Bob struggling with going straight in one and Santa's Little Helper, the Simpsons' dog, becoming a Hollywood media mongrel. One of my favorites is when Homer unwittingly gets on the wrong game show and wins a date. To get out of his date, he signs a contract to go on another game show, "Escape from emperor Burnsimoto's Castle", which could be life threatening. Several more entertaining comics are featured.

The comics can be read on their own and the reader can easily see them as a TV show, as each page provides scene panels with a lot of visual activity. The reader will get classic Simpsons, with all the jokes, puns, parodies, pranks and gags. References to movies Manga, reality TV shows and advertising add to the fun and brain teases.

Simpsons graphic novels are a constant favorite among middle school students and this will not disappoint. Fun antics for 9 to 12 year olds.

More on Matt Groening and The Simpsons.

Read Simpsons Comics online

Miracle's Boys

Miracle's Boys (2000) by Jacqueline Woodson. 131 pages
ISBN: 0-399-23113-7
(2006) Audiobook read by Dule Hill. New York, NY: Listening Library, download to MP3.

Winner of Coretta Scott King Award 2001

Lafayette is a thirteen year old being raised by his older brother Ty'ree. When their mother Milagra died, their other brother, Charlie, was in Rahway reform school. Their great-aunt Cecil wanted them to live with her, but they wanted to stay in New York. Ty'ree became guardian of his brothers, giving up his acceptance to MIT.

Ty'ree works full time, but there isn't much money. Charlie is back living them, but is a different person than he was before, lost and angry. Lafayette is dismayed and sees him as 'Newcharlie'. Newcharlie has a tendency toward trouble, finds himself at a gang initiation.

Ty'ree provides loving guidance and companionship to Lafayette. They reminisce about their mother and talk about the accident that led to their father's death. Charlie begins to reconnect with his brothers. The boys are loyal to each other; "B-to-B" (brother-to-brother) they say as their expression of love for each other.

This story is realistic, urban drama with authentic characters. The dialague connects the reader with characters' sorrow and anger. Listening to this story puts the reader closer to the drama. Dule Hill, who reads the audio version, brings an urban and ethnic tone that enhances its telling. Good read for 11 to 13 year olds.

If you like Miracle's Boys, you may like other Jacqueline Woodson books , as well as those by Walter Dean Myers

ISLAND Book One: Shipwreck

ISLAND- Book One: Shipwreck (2001) by Gordon Korman. 129 pages.
ISBN: 0-439-16456-7

Adventure, survival

A program called "Charting a New Course" brings together six young teens on boat with a captain and first mate. Each teen has been sent there for a reason - getting in arrested, fighting, causing havoc, watching too much TV, having a breakdown. They are quickily put to work manning sails and cleaning decks.

The ship leaves Guam where the kids feel like they are in the middle of nowhere. Stuck on a boat they don't want to be on and living in tight quarters, the kids learn to deal with the mean captain's mate, sea-sickness and terrible food. But that's not all, a terrifying storm comes. The schooner is severely damaged, the captain is lost at sea, the first mate abondons ship and the kids are left to fend for themselves. Through will and problem-solving, they work together to survive.

This is a fast-moving, adventurous story taking place over 15 days. The plot keeps the reader interested in what will happen next. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

This book is the first in a series of three: Shipwreck, Survival and Escape. At the end of the book, the author encourages the reader to "continue your Island adventure online" at Scholastic (linked here) where you can meet the crew and take the quiz, "Can you Survive?"

Official Gordon Korman Website

The Bully

The Bully (2002) by Paul Langan. New York: Scholastic. 190 pages.
ISBN: 13: 978-0-439-86546-3

Shortly after Darrell began ninth grade in Philadelphia, he has to move with his mom to California; he has to leave his neighborhood and his friends, especially Malik who protected him from unsavory people. Being short and skinny, Darrell has handled dealing with people's comments and taunts.

Darrell and his mom move into an apartment next to his uncle, who has two children. Darrell's uncle makes mocking comments and his cousins are constantly fighting.

Before starting school Darrell meets Tyray, who bullies him, Darrell nervous to start school. Darrell finds ways to avoid Tyray, who extorts his lunch money. At school, Darrell deals with being ignored, eating lunch alone and humiliations from Tyray.

Eventually, Darrell finds his way at school- a teacher reaches out to him, he meets a friend and he decides to join the wrestling team. Wrestling develops his confidence, and increases his strength and weight. Darrell develops friendships, stands up to his uncle, and intervenes when bullying occurs in his own family. Does Darrell's confidence and new skills help him deal with Tyray?

The story takes place in an urban setting, with characters who are African-American. The drama is realistic; addressing ssues of bullying and confidence. These features will be attractive to youth who want to see themselves in the literature. This is a high interest read for 11 to 14 year olds.

The Bully is fifth in the Bluford High series, but the story can be read as a stand-alone.

Book trailer for The Bully and another Bluford series book, Summer of Secrets.
Townsend Press - Full Bluford series

Smile

Smile (2010) by Raina Telgemeir. New York: Scholastic. 204 pages

ISBN: 978-0-545-24182-3

Graphic Novel, Humor, Autobiography

This autobiographical tale follows Raina from 6th to 9th grade, experiencing the confusions of puberty. After a Girl Scout meeting, she trips and falls; knocking out her two front teeth. Already anxious about getting braces, Raina has to visit the dentist and endodontist. This is just the beginning of the many dental trips, including the orthodontists and periodontists.

She anguishes about dental pain, dealing with retainers and headgear, and what her classmates will think. Raina deals with crushes on boys and her snarky friends, who not always nice.

An earthquake brings an unexpected experience with her family.

The story is engaging and expressive, providing a glimpse into a tween's view of life, dealing with friends and multiple trips to dental professionals. Raina grows through the story, coming to realize and appreciate her artistic abilities and gaining confidence in herself.

The story is enhanced by the illustrations, which are formatted in comic strip form with candid and expressive drawings. Especially fun for San Francisco residents who are familiar with the public schools Raina attends. Appealing to kids 9 to 12, especially girls.

Raina Telgemeir's website.

Bird

Bird (2004) by Angela Johnson. New York: Dial Books. 133 pages.
ISBN: 0-8037-2847-6

Bird is living and hiding in a shed across from a farmhouse; she secretly eats the family’s food and takes baths in their home. Bird has come to Acorn, Alabama from her home in Cleveland, Ohio to find her step-father. The only father she knew, Cecil left without saying good-by.

While living in the shed, Bird is discovered by Ethan. Ethan, living in the farmhouse, has been homebound from illness and heart surgery. Bird and Ethan gradually become friends, helping each other out of their loneliness. Jay, another boy, also discovers bird and has a unique connection to Ethan. Jay’s sadden is relieved through time with Bird. When Bird meets Victoria Pritchard, a lonely widow, she lives with her for a while, enjoying each others’ company and feeling less lonely. While Bird is living in Acorn, she sees Cecil and thinks about talking to him.

This sweet story, told through the eyes of Bird, Ethan and Jay, reflects on peoples’ loneliness and how kindness and friendship alleviate its pain. Cecil is a distant character in the story; the reason for Bird being in Acorn. We see glimpses of him through Ethan and come to understand Bird’s longing for him, how she loved being with him. Nice read for 9 to 12 year olds.

More about Angela Johnson.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found (2008) by Andrew Clements and read by Keith Nobbs. Audiobook Playaway.
ISBN 978-160775616-3

Jay Ray and Ray Jay Grayson are identical twins who have just moved to a new town with their parents. On the first day of sixth grade, Ray is sick and Jay attends school alone. When attendance is called in his class, Jay notices that Ray’s name isn’t called. He starts to enjoy being identified as himself and not as a twin. When Jay arrives home he convinces his brother that they should take advantage of the school’s clerical mistake and pretend they are one person. Wanting to know what it’s like to be treated as an individual, they devise their plan to take turns at school.

Thus begins a series of interactions and mishaps at school and at home; each generating from the lies that are being told. Ray and Jay have different academic skills, personalities and physical abilities that lend to the challenge of keeping up the façade. Dealing with the details of incidents in class, new friends and playing sports are met with difficulty. Evolving from this story is the realization of the effects of lies, as well as perceptions of twins and how they want to be perceived.

The reader will be engaged as they follow the twins as they interact with others and each other. The story is believable and fun. Listening to the story is entertaining. The story is appropriate for 9 to 12 year olds.

Andrew Clements website.

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrations by Dave McKean
ISBN 978-0-06-053092
New York: Harper Collins Publishers
Newberry Award 2009
Hugo Award for Best Novel 2009

Fantasy

An orphan baby arrives in a graveyard on the day his family was killed. The graveyard residents, who are ghosts, agree to let him stay. The Owens adopt him and name him Nobody,"Bod", Owens. Silas, who is neither alive or dead and is able to obtain food and clothing for Bod, becomes his guardian. Bod is bestowed the Freedom of the Graveyard, which gives him special abilities. The story follows Bod until he is fifteen years old. He attends classes with ghosts, has a friend who’s a ghost of a witch, is watched by Miss Lupescu, who is a ‘Hound of God’, encounters frightening ghouls and a threatening Sleer, and experiences the Danse Macabre. Bod experiences the power of love and friendship from the graveyard residents as he grows, learns and encounters menace.

Bod is warned about the dangers of leaving the graveyard. The mysterious man Jack, who killed his family, wants to kill Bod. Bod wants to leave to find a way to sell an item to buy a gravestone. His ventures out become perilous and tricky. Jack and his pals discover Bod and plot to kill him.

Enchanting and sometimes thrilling, this novel moves at a good pace. Although a haunting subject – a boy being raised by ghosts in a cemetery, the story is charming and exciting. It’s a good read for 9 to 12 years.

Official Neil Gaiman site and his Mouse Circus site for young readers.